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Play The Oldest Hole in Championship Golf
WHAT—Prestwick Golf Club
Prestwick Golf Club was formed in 1851 and
is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world.
Old Tom Morris, the Club’s first Keeper of the
Green, Club and Ball Maker, laid out the original 12
hole course. The Club inaugurated the British Open
Championship in 1860 and hosted the event 24
times—a record exceeded only by the Old Course at
St Andrews.
Ken Goodwin, Secretary, commented ‘As the
Birthplace of the Open Championship, Prestwick
Golf Club enjoys a unique place in the history of
golf and championship golf in particular.
Goodwin added, ‘There are some things that
only Prestwick can offer. Every visitor can boast to
have played the oldest hole in world championship
golf after completing the famous 17th hole. Known
as the Alps (originally the second hole on the 12
hole course that hosted the first twelve Opens) it
remains as it was in 1860 to this day—its condition
has somewhat improved.
‘Visitors are often unaware that they are
playing part of the original 1851 course at Prestwick.
This was the first course that Old Tom Morris laid
out and six of his original greens are still in use
today. They remain unchanged from those played
by the likes of Old and Young Tom Morris and Willie
Park.’
Prestwick’s historic links stretches to 6,211
metres off the championship tees and is always in
pristine condition.
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